Asthma is a lung disorder that interferes with breathing. It can cause serious, recurring episodes of wheezing and breathlessness, known as asthma attacks. The trouble stems from chronic inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure, there are highly effective strategies for keeping asthma symptoms at bay.
3.
Asthma is a lung disorder that interferes with
breathing. It can cause serious, recurring
episodes of wheezing and breathlessness,
known as asthma attacks. The trouble stems
from chronic inflammation in the tubes that
carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure,
there are highly effective strategies for keeping
asthma symptoms at bay.
What is
asthma?
6.
Asthma can appear at any age, but it typically
develops during childhood. Those most at risk
include people with allergies or a family history of
asthma. Having a parent with asthma makes
children more likely to develop the condition.
Gender also plays a role. Asthma is more common in
boys during childhood but in women during
adulthood.
Who Gets Asthma?
8.
Diagnosing Asthma
By a lung function test, also called spirometry,
measures how much air you can breathe in and out.
The results will help determine whether you have
asthma and how severe the condition is. Your doctor
may also recommend allergy testing to pinpoint If
asthma is left unmanaged or is misdiagnosed, it can
be deadly.
9.
■ Achieve and maintain control of symptoms
■Maintain normal activity levels, including exercise
■ Maintain pulmonary function as close to normal
■ Prevent asthma exacerbations
■ Avoid adverse effects from asthma medications
■ Educate continually
■ Provide information about asthma
■ Provide training on self-management skills
■ Emphasize a partnership among health care
providers, the patient, and the patient’s family
■ Prevent asthma mortality
Asthma Management and Prevention Program
Goals of Long-term Management
10.
The choice of treatment should be guided by:
■ Level of asthma control
■ Current treatment
■ Pharmacological properties and availability of the
various forms of asthma treatment
■ Economic considerations
Treatment of Asthma